Want To Build a 4'x4' accurate WJ table...

[AKFALAR]

Hey guys,

I have a 11'x6' waterjet table that is not really precise. I want to still use it however i would like to build a 4'x4' accurate gantry for precise jobs.
I have the controls down to CAMSoft due to our other table being controlled by CS. (Its OK)

Does anyone have source plans on building such a beast. It needs to be .002" accurate for this to be an improvement.

I have built gantrys before such as a 6'x20' BWC bearinged plasma cutter using a Dynatorch head. It works fine but its not even close to doing what i want to do with the WJ.

I have CNC milling and of course WJ at my disposal. Not alot of cash though.

Any thoughts on a reference design and sources appreciated.

I would love to use linear servos but i can't seem to find them off the shelf and anywhere reasonable.

Thanks for the info.

[Apples]

what kind of accuracy were u getting with the vee wheels?

Peter

[AKFALAR]

I can get 1/16" on parts. The gantry is probably more accurate but w/ Plasma its not.

[Apples]

1/16 ,is that accurate enough for your parts? I mean, did you cut parts for people and was 1/16 good enough for them?

[AKFALAR]

.060 is not that bad. Keep in mind repeatability is better than that. Plasma usually has post-process machining anyway...(Grinding)

[joemic]

Air Plasma can cut more accurate than 1/16". What thickness are you cutting?

To build a precision table up to 0.002" tolerence is not easy. You need special tools for aligment and measuring. You also need to spend a lot money to buy the anti-backlash ball screw to achieve that accuracy.

Joe
AC Meca